Independent toy shop owner makes emotional decision to close Kettering store
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An independent Kettering toy shop is set to close after its owner made the emotional decision to change how she runs the business.
Toy Box opened in 2018 when Serrina Budworth, a former nursery nurse, launched her first retail venture.
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Hide AdSince then it’s won a number of awards – including being crowned Kettering’s small business of the year – for its traditional and wooden toys.
But later this month the Market Street store will close after Serrina decided to just trade online and at fairs and events.
She said: "After five years running Toy Box Kettering from Market Street I have decided that I need to change how I run my business and will be sadly closing my shop on April 29.
"I will continue trading with an online shop – my website will still be toyboxkettering.com but will be restructured in a few weeks’ time. I will be attending fairs and events with a pop-up shop going forward.
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Hide Ad"This has been an emotional decision to make. I love seeing my customers in person and made many friends.”
The popular shop, which sells wooden vehicles, educational puzzles and more, also picked up a Muddy Stilettos award in 2021.
Serrina added that she hopes people will continue to support Toy Box in its next chapter.
She said: “The way we all shop has changed, but I hope that I can continue to provide good quality toys from a shortly to be revamped website.
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Hide Ad"I will be making further announcements on how it’s going forward soon and will be having an in-store sale until the shop closes as a thank you to all my local customers.
"Thank you to everyone that has supported me in the shop and I hope you will continue to support Toy Box in the next chapter."
People reacted to the closure with sadness when Serrina announced the news on social media.
One said: “Very sad to hear this news but I do understand the challenges facing retail outlets. Your shop certainly brightened up Market Street.”
Another said: “Market Street just won’t be the same without you.”